A Big lesson in bicycling

The events were held at two separate locations in Hood River: the Mark O. Hatfield trailhead and Family Man stunt progression area on Post Canyon. Wes Swearingen of Mountain View Cycles in Hood River hosted the workshops.

While Jacob Mekediak, who participated in the mountain biking workshop, was justifiably wary of the “drop-off” obstacle at Family Man, he successfully conquered several others. He wound skillfully around trees and hairpin turns, up and down hills and across wooden beams. Swearingen, with his years of experience in the biking field, was extraordinarily impressed with the courageous 12-year-old.

Ten Bigs and Littles from the Gorge participated in the workshops, learning basic bike maintenance, how to change a flat tire and repair a chain. The pairs then rode at the two locations on bikes of their own and bikes provided by Mountain View Cycles.